Stoli Vodka Donates $150K To Russian Freedom Fund

By
On Top Magazine Staff
Published:
February 10, 2014

Stoli Group USA has announced a
$150,000 donation to support the Russian Freedom Fund.

The Russian Freedom Fund is a vehicle
for making financial contributions in support of Russia's LGBT rights
movement and efforts to combat anti-gay discrimination in the former
Soviet Republic.

“For many months, we have been
working closely with our friends in the LGBT community to identify
ways of placing resources where we can help make a difference in
people's lives,” John Esposito, president of Stoli Group USA, said
in announcing the donation. “Through our network we were lucky
enough to be introduced to the Russian Freedom Fund, which will
directly help LGBT activists on the ground in Russia. Over the next
two years, we hope our donation of $150K will help stimulate
positive, lasting change for LGBT people living in Russia. We
continue to stand with the worldwide LGBT community against their
discrimination and their pursuit of justice and equality.”

Esposito reiterated at the time that
the Stolichnaya vodka sold outside Russia “is in no way affiliated
with the Russian government.”

“The responses to the attacks on LGBT
rights in Russia show that our lives are global and interconnected,”
he
wrote. “Some responded to the attacks on LGBT rights in Russia
by boycotting Stoli. It's worth clarifying that SPI Group, which is
in no way affiliated with the Russian government, has been the owner
of the Stolichnaya brand outside of Russia since 1997. The
Stolichnaya made in Russia for the local market is owned by a
state-controlled entity. We feel it is important to raise our voice
again and let the LGBT community know we share the same desire for
justice and equality. And we are invested in achieving a brighter
tomorrow for all.”